Code translator



April 12, 1949 K. A. SYLVESTER CODE TRANSLATOR Filed June 15, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet l FIG.

l N VE NTOR KIMMEL A. SYLVESTER FIG. 3

ATTORNEY April ,1949. K. A. SYLVESTER 2,466,920

CODE TRANSLATOR Filed June 15, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 88 79 INVENTOR KIM MELA. SYLVESTER ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 12, 1949 CODE TRANSLATOR Kimmel A. Sylvester, Skokie, 111., assignor to Teletype Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application June 15, 1944, Serial No. 540,440

8 Claims.

The present invention relates to telegraph apparatus and more particularly to code translating apparatus.

In the transmission of messages over radio channels it is the usual practice to use Morse, or similar codes. These codes, which are predicated on the use of dot and dash electrical impulses and zero impulse conditions must then be received in that code at the remote receiving station, usually by preparing a tape. In the further transmission of these messages from the receiving station to a third remote station, it is often desirable that a different type of code be used for telegraphic transmission, such as the wellknown Baudot code. This is especially true where the messages are being relayed from the receiving radio station by means of telegraphic lines rather than over radio channels. In order for these message signals to be utilized in a printing telegraph system, it is essential that some sort of a translating device be provided.

. Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to translate Morse or similar codes normally used in radio transmission to codes such as the Baudot code for use in telegraph transmission.

Another object is to provide translating apparatus having a maximum of overlap.

A further object is to provide telegraph apparatus having a plurality of code bars which have a normal unoperated position and which may be set in either of two different operated positions depending on the individual characteristics of the components of the received code signals.

In general, the present translating apparatus includes relays which are responsive to dots or dashes and which, in turn, through selector switches, set a group of dot or dash magnets to condition and position a series of code bars. Depending on the position of the code bars, one of a plurality of operating levers is selected which directly controls a printing telegraph unit, in accordance with the message signal received.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which,

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view, partly broken away, of the mechanism for translating the code signals;

Fig. 3 is a view taken approximately on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a view taken approximately on the line 44 of Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 1, a radio receiver has been designated generally by the numeral II. This radio receiver II, which is of a standard type, receives the signals incoming over the radio channels and has therein the usual elements, including an amplifier. The signals, after passing through the radio receiver II pass out therefrom as dots, dashes, or zero electrical conditions, over a conductor I2. As a result of signals either of a dot or dash variety being impressed on the conductor I2 a relay I3 is energized from battery at the radio receiver II, over conductor I2, and through the winding of relay I3 to ground. The energization of relay I3 results in its armature III being attracted thereto which causes certain electrical circuits to be established. One of these circuits results in the energization of marginal relays I6 and I! over a circuit from grounded battery I8, through the armature I4, over the conductor I 9, and through the windings of the respective relays I6 and II to ground. A second circuit is also established from grounded battery I8, through the armature I4, over the conductor I9, over the conductor 2|, through the No. 1 contact of a dot selector switch 22, over the conductor 23, through the winding of dot magnet 24, over the common conductor 26, over the conductor 21, and through the armature 28 which has engaged its associated electrical contact due to the energization of the relay l3, to ground. A marginal relay 29, the winding of which is connected to the conductor I9, is not energized at this time inasmuch as it is of the slow-to-operate type and is designed to operate only on the receipt of a dash signal, which is approximately equal in time to three dot impulses.

As a result of the energization of the relay I3 and the resulting attraction of its armature I4, an electrical circuit is broken which previously was established from grounded battery I8, through unattracted armature I4, over conductor 3i, and through the winding of a magnet 32 to ground. The magnet 32, which controls the stepping of the dot selector switch 22, as will be hereinafter explained, is energized and de-energized alternately depending upon the presence or absence of signals having an electrical characteristic on the conductor I2 and thus through the winding of relay I3, causing the energization of the latter and the attraction of the armature I I. The armature of the magnet 32 is formed by a lever 33 which is pivoted at 34 and normally urged in a clockwise direction away from the magnet 32 by means of a biasing spring 36. A

3 pawl 31 is pivoted to the lever 33 at 33 and is normally urged in a clockwise direction into engagement with a ratchet 39 by means of a biasing spring 4|. The ratchet 39 is secured on a shaft 52, on which the dot selector switch 22 is mounted, for movement with the shaft to its six contact points. A coil spring 43 has one end secured to the shaft 42 and its opposite end secured to a post 44 on the ratchet 39. The inherent resilience of the spring 33 tends to rotate the ratchet 39 in a clockwise direction to a point whereat a stop pin 46 near the periphery of the ratchet 39 engages a fixed stop ll. The normal position, with the spring 43 urging the ratchet in a clockwise direction to the point whereat its stop pin it engages the fixed stop 4'! and prevents further rotation, is such that the dot selector switch 22 will be in engagement with its No. 1 contact point. A check pawl 48 is provided which is pivoted at 49 and normally urged in a clockwise direction with its end in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet 39 by a spring The check pawl 48 is provided so that after the lever 33 has been attracted by the magnet 32 causing the pawl 31 to step the ratchet 39 one step, the ratchet 39 will not return to its normal position under the urging of its spring 43 when the lever 33 thereafter moves to its downward or unattracted position upon the de-energization of the magnet 32.

Upon the energization of the dot magnet 24 its armature 52 will be attracted thereto to complete a locking circuit for the magnet 24 from grounded battery 53, over a common conductor 54, through the armature 52, over a conductor 56, through the winding of the magnet 24, over the common conductor 25, over the conductor 21, and through the armature 28 to ground. Thus, with this locking circuit the stepping switch 22 may be stepped to its No. 2 position, as will be hereinafter described, with the assurance that the electrical circuit will not be broken resulting in the de-energization of the magnet 2'4. The utility of holding the dot magnet 24 in an energized condition will be hereinafter described.

As a result of the energization of the marginal relay 15, as previously described, its armature 51 will be attracted thereto. Likewise, the energization of the marginal relay ll results in its armature 58 being attracted thereto which establishes an electrical circuit from ground, through the armature 58, over a conductor 59, through the attracted armature 57, over the conductor 6!, to supply additional ground to the conductor 21. The attraction of the armature 58 by its relay H results in an electrical circuit being broken which had been established from ground, through the armature 58, over a conductor 62, and through the winding of a solenoid 63 to grounded battery ti l. The operation of the solenoid 83, which controls a spacing operation in the telegraph apparatus, will be hereinafter explained. The attraction of the armature 51 upon the energization of the marginal relay it results in the contact with a conductor 66 being broken. However, at this time the conductor 66 and the armature 5'! had not completed an electrical circuit inasmuch as the armature 58 was not in contact with the conductor 59.

The establishment of the above electrical circuits and the breaking of other electrical circuits normally established, which has been described above, is the result of an electrical impulse over the conductor ['2 from the radio receiver l l which results in the'energization of the relay l3. In-

4 asmuch as the relay I3 is responsive to either a dot or dash impulse the above-described conditions exist upon the receipt of either of these impulses. If a dash is received the relay [3 will be energized during the entire time interval of its reception.

In the event that a dash is received over the conductor I 2, the armature M of the rela l3 supplies grounded battery E8 to the conductor [9 for a period of time equal to the length of the dash, which as previously mentioned is approximately that of three dots. The result of potential being applied to the conductor IQ for this interval of time results in the energization of the marginal relay 29 which is of the slowt0- operate type and will not become energized upon the receipt of potential equal to that of a dot, but will only become energized upon the receipt of potential equal to that of a dash. When the relay 29 becomes energized, it attracts its armature $7 thereto which results in an electrical circuit being established from grounded battery 68, through the armature 61, over a conductor 69, through a dash selector switch H, over the conductor 12, through the winding of a dash magnet '13, through the common conductor 26, over the conductor 21, and through the armature 28 to ground. Likewise, ground is also supplied to the conductor 2'! from the conductor 6!, through the attracted armature 57, over the conductor 59, and through the armature 53 to ground. The establishment of the above traced electrical circuit results in the energization of the dash magnet 13 causing its armature M to be attracted thereto, thus completing a locking circuit for the dash magnet 13 from grounded battery at 53, through the common conductor 54, through the armature M, over a conductor 16, through the winding of the dash magnet 73, through the common conductor 26, and through the conductor 21 to ground associated with the armatures 28 and 58.

In the event that a zero condition occurs on the conductor [2 resulting in the relay l3 being de-energized and a circuit established for the energization of the magnet 32, resulting in the ratchet 39 being conditioned to be stepped a distance of one tooth, thus causing the dash selector switch H to be moved from its No. l to No. 2 contact, the dash magnet 73 will remain energized over its locking circuit as will be hereinafter disclosed. Inasmuch as the dash selector switch ll is also secured to the shaft 42 it will be stepped every time the relay [3 is de-energized and thereafter energized.

It is to be noted that there are six contact points on each of the selector switches 22 and H, and six magnets 24 and 13 connected to each of them respectively. The reason for the provision of six each of the dot magnets 24 and the dash magnets 73 with their associated contact points in the selector switches 22 and H, respectively, for establishing energization circuits for the magnets, is because that in the code designations used in the Morse code, six is the maximum number of dots or dashes commonly used in the code signals. It is to be noted, however, that certain code combinations for various punctuation marks comprise more than six dots or dashes arid in the event that it is necessary to provide means for translating all of the possible code signal combinations, rather than only those commonly used, such translation may occur by providing a number of dot and dash magnets equal in number to the maximum number of 5 similar code designations. It will, of course, be necessary to provide selector switches similar to selector switches 22 and H with each having a number of contact points equal to the number of dot or dash magnets provided.

Inasmuch as the Morse code provides a zero impulse between each code impulse which is approximately equal in length of time to that of a dot, after each complete impulse has been received the relay 13 will be de-energized and its armature [4 will no longer be attracted thereto but instead will recede and complete the electrical circuit for the energization of the magnet 32, previously traced. This will result in the stepping of the ratchet 39, after a succeeding electrical impulse has been received, with the resultant stepping of the selector switches 22 and H to their six points successively. In this way it is possible for all six of the dot magnets 24 to be energized or all six of the dash magnets 13 to be energized, or all twelve relays to be energized. It is not to be understood that each code signal comprises either six or twelve impulses inasmuch as a Morse code signal such as the letter e may be designated by a single dot only. However, if a dash is received, both the dash relay l3 and the corresponding dot relay 24 will be energized. Means are provided, which will be hereinafter described, to condition the circuits upon the end of the receipt of a code signal. Thus, it may be seen that the dot ma nets 24 or the dash magnets 13 may be conditioned according to the number of dots or dashes in the incoming code designation limited to a maximum number of six of each.

The Morse code is so provided that after the transmission of a code signal comprised of a number of dots or dashes representing the particular character a zero condition indicative of a space between code signals applies for a length of time equal approximately to that for the receipt of three dots. After a code signal has been received and the dot magnets 24 or the dash magnets 13 are conditioned accordingly, the conductor l2 will have no potential applied thereto for an interval of time equal approximately to that of three dots during which time the relay [3 will be de-energized. Under this condition the electrical circuit from the grounded battery l8, through the armature l4, through the conductor l9, will be broken at the armature I4 for a similar length of time. The marginal relay l6 which was energized immediately upon the energization of the relay I3 is of the slow-to-release type and will not be de-energized to release its armature 51, unless a zero condition applies through its winding for an interval of time of approximately three dots. Therefore, this relay will be de-energized, assuming that no potentia1 flows through the conductor IQ, for this period of time. The marginal relay I! is also of a slow-to-release type and once energized will not release until a zero condition exists on the conductor [9 for a time equal in length to approximately that of "four dots. Thus, upon the receipt of a zero condition for an interval between signals which is for a period of time approximately equal to that of three dots, the marginal relay It will be deenergized but the marginal relay I! will remain energized (since it is slower to release than relay 16), thus completing an electrical circuit from ground, through the attracted armature 58, over the conductor 59, through the unattracted armature 51, over the conductor 66, and through the winding of a magnet 11 to grounded battery at 18. A second circuit is also established through the armatures previously mentioned, over the conductor 66, and through the winding of a magnet 19 to grounded battery at 8|. At the same time, due to the de-energization of the relay [3, a circuit has been established for the energization of the magnet 32 resulting in its armature lever 33 being attracted thereto. Over the former of the electrical circuits just traced, the magnet 11 is energized, resulting in the armature feed pawl 31 being attracted thereto, as is also true with the armature check pawl 48. The attraction by the magnet 11 of the feed pawl 31 and the check pawl 48 causes their ends to be removed from the teeth in the ratchet 39, thus allowing the ratchet to be continuously rotated in a clockwise direction under the urging of the coil spring 43 to the position whereat the stop pin 48 on the ratchet 39 engages the fixed stop 41. In this position the dot selector switch 22 and the dash selector switch H are moved back to their normal position in contact with the No. 1 contact point of each switch. As previously described, at the same time, the magnet 19 was energized, which magnet controls the clutch for operating the translating unit to allow the code signal conditioned in the dot and dash magnets 24 and T3 to be recorded by the printing telegraph apparatus, as will be hereinafter described. At the time that the marginal relay l6 de-energizes and the armature 51 falls away therefrom, ground will no longer be supplied over the conductor iii to the conductor 21. Inasmuch as ground through the armature 28 was also removed from the conductor 21 upon the de-energization of the relay I3, the locking circuits for the dot magnets 24 and the dash magnets 13 will no longer be established, thus resulting in these magnets being dumped and thus restoring 4U them to a condition whereby they may be energized depending on the combination of dots and dashes oi the succeeding incoming code signal. The de-energization of the dot magnets 24 and the dash magnets 13 at this time does not result in the loss of the signal, as will be explained hereinafter.

In the event that the code signal which has just been recorded was not one forming the end of a word, a new code signal transmission will begin which will cause the relay l3 to be energized resulting in the marginal relay I6 again being energized. over the conductor 19. It is to be noted at this point that the marginal relay II had not released. Thus, the circuit will once again be in readiness to receive and translate another signal.

The normal designation in the Morse code for a space between words is a zero condition for an interval of time equal approximately to that of five dots. In the event that the previously described operation resulting in the printing of a character, or rather resulting in the energization of the clutch magnet 19, was the last letter in a word the marginal relay I6 which de-energized after a time interval of approximately three dots would remain de-energized. Likewise, the marginal relay ll, designed to de-energize upon a zero condition on the conductor 89 equal approxi mately to four dots, would also de-energize resulting in its armature 58 no longer being attracted. Upon the de-energization of the marginal relay ll an electrical circuit will be completed from ground, through the unattracted armature 58, over the conductor 62, and through the winding of the solenoid 63 to grounded battery 64. The energization of the solenoid 63- results in its corev 82. moving. downwardly to engage a space bar 83 to cause the spacing operation which will be described in a discussion with respect to Fig. 2. It is to be noted that. this time that while the spacing condition existing between words in the Morse code is equal in length to five dots,.themargina1 relay I! releases after a zero condition of four dot lengths of time resulting in theestablishing of the circuit for the energization of the space solenoid 63. This is desirable considering the, fact that it will take a certain amount of time for the solenoid 63 to operate. and secondly because in the Morse designation the condition existing upon a zero line condition for more than three dots must be either thatof a space between words or of no further message transmission. Therefore, inasmuch as during the normal operation of this circuit when no transmission is occurring the marginal relay ll is de-energized resulting in the circuit being established for the spacing solenoid 83 as previously traced, the resulting spacing operation may occur with this timing. It might be well to mention that the space mechanism that is provided is what is known as a nonrepeat space so that even though the solenoid G3 is continuously energized with its core 82 acting upon the bar 83 during nontransmitting periods, only one spacing operation will occur.

Assuming that a spacing signal has just been received with the resulting operation just described, immediately thereafter upon the receipt of the initial impulse of a succeeding code signal the relay I3 will again be energized resulting in the marginal relays I6 and I! also immediately being energized. Therefore, the spacing solenoid 83 will now be de-energized and remain so until such time as another spacing interval may occur on the conductor I2 or until transmission is. ended.

From the above description it may be seen that the incoming Morse signal, depending on its dot or dash characteristics, may be translated to dot magnets 24 or dash magnets 13 depending upon the individual characteristics of the signals. The result of the energization of any of the magnets 24 or 73 will be hereinafter described in respect to the description of the mechanism disclosed in Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive.

Referring now to Fig. 2, the translator mechanism embodying the invention has been designated generally by the numeral 84, whereas the telegraph printing apparatus associated therewith, shown only in part, has been designated generally by the numeral 86. While the printing telegraph apparatus 88 has been disclosed only to an extent sufficient for its combined operation with the translator mechanism 84, a complet understanding and description of this apparatus may be had by referring to Bulletin No. 126 issued in December, 1931, by the Teletype Corporation, Chicago, Illinois. It is to be noted, however, that the present translator mechanism is .not restricted to use with a unit such as disclosed and described in the above referred to bulletin, but instead any appropriate available telegraph apparatus may be used in conjunction therewith.

The printing telegraph unit 86 disclosed herein comprises a plurality of keys 8'! which, through associated key levers, operate the telegraph apparatus. A space bar 83 is provided which causes the apparatus to space between words. This space bar 83 has previously been mentioned in the 8 description of Fig. 1 and is operated by the arms. ture 82 of the solenoid 63'.

The translating mechanism indicated generally by the numeral 84 comprises, in part, a base 88' on which the various operating members are located. A group ofsix code bars. 89 ar provided each of which has a plurality of code notches 9| in their upper surface. The code notches 9| may be more clearly seen in Fig. 3, wherein there is also disclosed three V-shaped notches 92 toward the. rear extremity of each of thecode bars 89. As further disclosed in Fig. 3, each of the code bars 89 is provided with. a downwardly extending lug 93 forming the extreme rear extremity of the code bar, and a downwardly extending arm 94 about one third of the length of the code bar back from the front and thereof. Each of the downwardly extending arms 94 is provided with a pair of stops 98 extending sidewardly on each side of thecode bars, which are more fully shown in Fig. 2. Each of the code bars 89 has an ins clividual spring 91 one end of which is secured to its forward end and the opposit end of which is secured to a rod 88 which is positioned by means of brackets 98 secured to the base 88. The springs normally tend to urge the code bars 88 in a forward direction, or toward the left as viewed in. Fig. 3,

The code bars 89 extend across the length of the translating unit and are positioned in place against lateral movement by means of a pair of combs Nil, one positioned toward the front and one toward the rear of the code bars. As seen in Fig. 4, each of the combs I8I is provided with a series of six notches I82 in its upper surface in which each of the code bars 89 is positioned. The notches I82, which are just slightly wider than the width of the code bars 89, prevent any sideward movement of the code bars but allow the code bars to slide in the notches. Each of the combs I 8| is mounted, as viewed in Figs. 2 or 4, at the left end on a shaft I03 which is positioned at either end by means of brackets I04 secured to the base 88 at their bottom by means of screws or bolts. As seen in Fig. 2, the opposite or right-hand end of the combs IIII are each secured directly to a bracket I88 which are secured at their lower ends to the base 88 by any convenient method.

Associated with the forward end of each of the code. bars 88 and positioned on either side thereof to cooperate with the stop arms 86 is a pivoted lever I8! to the left of the code bar as viewed in Fig. 2, and a pivoted lever I88 to the right of the :codebar. These two levers I07 and I08 are pivoted on a shaft I89 and interspaced by means of collars III. The pivoted lever I0"! is longer than the pivoted lever I88, and has a leftwardly extending projection II2 at its forward end which acts as an armature for the dot magnet 24, one of these magnets being associated with each of the six pivoted levers I8? and their lugs H2. Likewise, each of the pivoted levers I08, positioned to the right of the code bars 89 but shorter than the pivoted levers I81, hasa rightwardly extending projection H3 at its .forward end which acts as the armature for the dash magnet 13, one of the dash magnets being associated with each of the pivoted levers I88 and their lugs H3. As seen in Fig. 3, the levers I01 and I83'have an individual spring H4 secured to their forward end which normally tends to rotate them in a clockwise direction about their pivot point on the shaft I89, resulting in their sidewardly extending armature lugs H2 and II I 9 being positioned away from the respective magnets 24 and I3. The ends of the levers I? and I08, opposite from the lugs H2 and H3, are so constructed that when they are in their normal positions they will each be aligned with one of the stop arms 96. However, inasmuch as the levers I01 associated with the dot magnets 28 are longer than the levers I08 associated with the dash magnets "I3, the stops 96 will normally engage the end of the levers I01. Thus, as long as the rearward end of the levers I0? are in the way of the stop arms 86 the associated code bars 89 will be held in their rearward position, despite the fact that their associated springs '91 tend to move them toward the front, as viewed in Fig. 2. Upon the energization of any of the dot magnets 24 the associated levers I0! will be caused to be moved in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, by means of the attraction of the sidewardly extending armature lug II2 by vthe magnet '24, resulting in the rearward extremity of the lever I01 being pivoted out of the way of the associated stop arm 96 allowing the spring 91 to urge the code bar 89 toward the front (Fig. 2). However, the code bar 89 is not at this time free to move its entire distance to ward the front, inasmuch as the opposite stop arm 96 will engage the end of the lever I 08 associated with the dash magnets "I3 after the code bar 89 has moved a distance equal to the difference in length of the levers I01 and I08, thus preventing further movement of the code bar 89. In the event that the dash magnet 13 is energized, thus attracting its armature lug II3 which extends sidewardly from the lever I08, the lever I08 will be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 3, thus removing its end from engagement with its stop arm 96 of the code bar 83. Thus, the code bar 89 is now free to move forwardly again under the urging of its spring '81. It is to be noted from Fig. 3 that a stop H6 is provided, which as viewed in Fig. 2 is a rod extending beneath the code bars 89 and the levers I01 and I08 and secured above base 88 by means of a pair of brackets II'I each of which is secured to the base, to limit the downward movement of the levers I 01 and I08 under the urging of their individual springs [I4 when the magnets 24 and I3 are de-energized and thus position their extremities with respect to the stop arms 96. The forward movement of the code bars 88 under the urging of their individual springs 91 is limited by means of a stop rod III? which is mounted at either end in the brackets II! and which extends in front of all of the code bars 89. Thus, if both of the levers I01 and I08 are pivoted, due to the energization of their associated magnets 24 and I3, the code bar 88 will move a distance of two positions to a point whereat further movement is limited by engagement of the forward end of the code bar with the stop rod I I8.

Also pivoted to the shaft I03 and separated by collars H9 are a plurality of operating levers I2I which. extend transversely across the translating unit and overlie each of the code bars 89 at right angles thereto. The under-surface of each of the operating levers I2! rests on the top of a bail Hi3 and is normally urged in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, by means of individual springs I22. Each of the operating levers I2I has a downwardly extending end I23 which engages a key 81 associated with each of the key levers in the telegraph unit designated generally as 86. A sufficient number of operating levers HI are provided so that the downwardly extending end I23 of each is associated with one of the keys 81 of the telegraph unit. In other words, there are as many operating levers I2I as there are characters to be printed. Under normal con ditions, with the code bars 89 held in their rearward positions by means of the end of the lever Illl engaging the stop arm J6, the operating levers I2I are held with their downwardly extending arms I23 in their upward position so that they do not engage the keys 87 with sufficient force to cause a character indicating operation to occur. In the event that any of the code bars 89 are allowed to move forward to one of their other two positions the selection set up by means of the movement of certain of the code bars resuits in one of the operating levers I2I being able to enter an aligned row of notches 8! in all six code bars, resulting in the selected operating lever I2I being conditioned to move in a clockwise direction (Fig. 4) to engage its associated key 87. It is to be noted that a comb I23 is provided toward the right-hand extremity of the operating levers I2I, as seen in Fig. 2, which has a series of notches associated with each of the operating levers. The comb I24 is provided so that the operating levers I2I will be held in alignment in certain predetermined positions with respect to their position between the collars IIS on the shaft I03 at one end and with their opposite downwardly extending arms I23 in engagement with their associated keys 8! at the opposite extremity.

As seen in Fig. 2 the space bar 83, mentioned in the description of Fig. 1, extends in front of the keys 8'! and has the core 82 of the solenoid 83 overlying one end thereof. The solenoid 63 is secured to the base 88 by means of a bracket I28.

A locking lever I2! is pivotally mounted at its left extremity (as viewed in Fig. 2) on the shaft I03 and extends rightwardly above the six code bars 89. The opposite end of the locking lever is aligned and held in its correct position by means of a notch in the comb I24. The locking lever I2l extends as mentioned over the code bars 89 and is allowed under certain operating conditions to enter the locking notches 92 (Fig. 3) in the code bars 89 and thus prevent further movement of the code bars, as will be hereinafter described.

A constantly rotating shaft I28 is provided, as seen in Fig. 2, which is mounted at opposite ends in bearings I3! and is driven by a motor, not shown in the present drawings. The shaft I28 has a clutch element I29 secured thereto which has the usual teeth therein and which rotates constantly with the shaft. The shaft I28 has a sleeve I32 extending over almost its entire length, which is not securely fastened to the shaft I28 so as to rotate therewith continuously, but instead has a clutch element I33 thereon which under certain operating conditions engages the clutch element I29 which is securely fastened to the shaft I28 to impart rotation to the sleeve I32. The clutch element I33 is normally urged toward its companion clutch element I29 by means of a spring I38, such as is normally used in clutch assemblies. However, the clutch element I33 is held from engaging its companion clutch element I29 under the urging of its spring I38 by means of an armature I36 which is associated with the clutch magnet 19. previously described with respect to Fig. l, which is secured to the base 88 by means of a bracket I31. The armature I36 is so positioned that upon energization of the magnet 19 the armature will be removed from its blocking position with respect to the clutch element I33, thereby allowing the spring I34 to cause the clutch element I33 to move into engagement with its companion clutch element I29 resulting in rotaticn being imparted to the sleeve I32 from the constantly rotating shaft I28.

Referring to Fig. 2, it is to be seen that a pair of brackets I38 are secured to the base 88 approximately midway between the shaft I03 andv the shaft I28. Mounted in the brackets I38 is a shaft I39 which has a sleeve I4I surrounding the shaft for almost its entire length. However, a pair of levers I42 are pivotally mounted on the shaft I39, one at either end between the ends of the sleeve MI and the brackets I38. The levers I42 extend rightwardly, as seen in Fig. 2, over the sleeve I32 surrounding the shaft I28 and have a bail I43 secured to their extremities which extends transversely under all of the operating levers I2I and under the locking lever I21. It is to be noted (Fig. 4) that the bail I43 also passes under the rear comb Illl, but that the comb has a cutout section I44 on its undersurface, thus allowing a clearance for the operation of the bail. A pair of rollers I46 are secured one each to the levers I42 at a position whereat they overlie the sleeve I32 and the shaft I28. These rollers serve as cam followers for a pair of cams I41 which are secured to and for rotation with the sleeve I32 and each of which underlies one of the rollers I46. Thus, upon rotation of the --sleeve I32 the cams I41 will likewise be rotated and will cause a pivoted movement to be imparted to the levers I42, depending on the outer contour of the cams. Inasmuch as the bail I43 is secured to the levers I42 the bail will also have imparted thereto areciprocating movement.

This mechanism just described acts as an operating and reset means for the operating levers I2I so that in the event that the code bars 89 are positioned in a certain selected manner so that one of the operating levers I2I is selected it will be allowed to be moved downward to cause its downwardly extending end I23 to impart motion to a corresponding key 91 and cause a character to be-printed upon movement of the bail I43. The'contour of the cams I41 is such that the bail I43 will cause the operating levers I2! to be held in their upward or unoperative position for aperiod of time equal to the majority I2l actuating its corresponding key 81.

Referring to Fig. 3, it is to be seen that a third cam I48 isalso secured to the collar I32 for rotation therewith. It may be seen that the cam I48 engages .a cam follower roller I49 which forms the end of an arm II which is formed with ;a right angle therein and which is securely fastened by means of screws I52 to a downwardly ex- .tending portion I53 of an arm I54 pivoted on a shaft I58. Referring now to Fig. 2, it may be seen .that the shaft the end of all of the code bars 89and has a similar arm I54 mounted on its opposite end which does not have the cam follower roller I49 or I56 extends transversely under right angled arm I5I secured thereto. The arms and the bail I54 are both pivotally mounted on the shaft I56 and are normally urged in a clockwise direction (Fig. 3) by means of springs I51. The arms I54 have a bail I58 connected to their upper extremity, the bail extending transversely under the rearward end of all of the code bars 89. During a certain part of the cycle of operation of the sleeve I32 a low point on the contour of the cam I48 is presented to the cam follower roller I49 which allows the right-angled arm I5I to move in a clockwise direction, Fig. 3, due to the urging of the springs I51, which results in the arms I54 I58 likewise being pivoted in a clockwise direction causing the bail I58 to engage the downwardly extending lugs 98 forming the rearward extremity of each of the code bars 89, thus moving the code bars toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 3. This operation occurs during the latter part of the cycle of operation of the sleeve I32 and after the operating bar I2I has been selected and allowed to print its associated character, thus causing the code bars 83 to be reset to their original position, whereat they are locked in their rearward position by means of the levers I91 associated with the dot magnets 24. The timing of this operation will occur simultaneously to that of the operation of the reset bail I43 moving the operating levers for resetting at which time the locking lever I21 will be caused to be moved out of any of the locking notches 92 in the code bars 99 in which it may have been positioned.

General operation In the operation of the present apparatus Morse code character designations upon being received by the radio receiver II cause, through the energization of the dot relay I3 or the dash relay 29, certain of the secondary dot magnets 24 or dash magnets 13 to be energized. The energization of certain of the dot magnets 24 or dash magnets 13 results in their armature lugs I I2 or I I3 being attracted thereto, causing their associated levers I01 or I88 to be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3, thus removing their ends from blocking position with respect to the stops 96 on the code bars 89. Depending on which of the magnets 24 or 13 ar energized, certain of the code bars 89 will be allowed to be moved forwardly, as viewed in Fig. 2, under the urging of their associated individual springs 91. It is to be noted that the code bars 89 are allowed to move immediately upon the energization of the dot magnets 24 or the dash magnets I3. The movement of certain of the code bars 88 to their selected position will result in an alignment of the code notches 9I with respect to one or more of the operating levers I2I. However, the operating levers I2I which are free to move downward in the aligned code notches 9| will not move at this time, inasmuch as the bail I43 will be held in its upward position (Fig. 4) by means of the engagement of the cam follower rollers I46 with the high surface of the cams I41. After an entire code designation has been received and the dot or dash magnets set accordingly, resulting in a character being set up in the code bars 89, a Morse designation or signal condition indicative of a space between Morse code signals, which designation amounts to a zero condition for an interval of three dots, will be received which will cause the marginal relay I6 to be de-energized and as mentioned in the description of Fig. 1 establishes a circuit for the energization of the clutch magnet 19. The energization of the clutch {magnet 19 results in the armature I36 being removed from blocking engagement with the clutch element I33 thereby allowing the clutch element to be moved under the urging of its spring I34 into engagement with the constantly rotating clutch element I29 and thereby imparting rotary motion to the sleeve I32.

Rotation of the sleeve I32 results, toward the beginning of the cycle, in a low portion of th cams I41 being presented to the cam follower rollers I46 which causes the arms I42 and the bail I43 to be moved in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4. At this point the pressure will be removed from the underside of the selected operating levers I2I and the selected lever under the urging of its individual spring I22, will be allowed to move in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4 causing its downwardly extending end I23 to engage the key 81 of its associated character and pivot this downwardly causing a character to be printed by the telegraphic printing apparatus designated generally 86.

At the same time that the bail I 43 moves downward to allow the operation of a selected operating lever I2I the locking lever I21 will also move downward. Any such movement of the locking lever I21 allows it to enter one of the locking notches 92 in each of the code bars 39, thereby preventing any further movement of the code bars. As was previously described, each of the code bars 89 has three locking notches 92, thereby insuring that the code bars 89 will be held in place by the locking lever I21 upon its operation, even though they have remained in their normal position whereat they are blocked by levers I01 engaging the stop arms 96, or have moved to their positions whereat they are blocked by the levers I08, or are free from both levers and blocked by the stop bar 98. Thus, the code bars are held in their selected positions even though the magnets 24 and 13 may become de-energized, as will be hereinafter explained.

It is to be noted that at the time that the clutch magnet 19 was energized to cause the printing operation, the ground associated with armature 28 was removed which had provided a locldng circuit for the dot magnets 24 and the dash mag- .nets 13. Therefore, at this time, prior to the actual printing operation, the dot magnets 24 and dash magnets 13 are free to be energized for the succeeding incoming signal. This is true inasmuch as at the same time that the clutch magnet 19 was energized the magnet 11 was also energized resulting in the feed pawl 31 and the check pawl 48 being removed from engagement with the ratchet 39 thereby allowing the ratchet to be moved under the urging of its coil spring 43 to its normal position whereat its stop pin 46 engages the fixed stop 41 and results in the rotation of the shaft 42 to a point whereat the dot selector switch 22 and the dash selector switch II are positioned in engagement with their N0. 1 contact point. Thus, it may be seen that the present system provides for overlap in that a succeeding signal may be set up during the actual printing of the preceding signal.

It is conceivable that under some conditions of transmission the operation of certain of the dot 'magnets 24 or dash magnets 13, occurring prior to the completed operation of the operating levers I2I, may result in a change of position of certain of the code bars 89. It is for this reason that the locking lever I21 has been included, and its operation timed as described, so that even though certain of the dot magnets 24 or dash magnets 13 might be energized by a subsequent code signal, the code bars 89 will remain in their selected positions until the printing operation has been completed. Thus, there may be overlap without any danger of a mutilation of code signals.

After the selected operating lever I2I is allowed to move to its downward position to cause the printing of a character, it will immediately thereafter be once again moved to its upper position out of the aligned notches of the code bars 89 by means of the cams I41 causing the cam follower rollers I46 to move upwardly, resulting in the bail I43 being pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4. Immediately after the character has been printed, but before the completion of the cycle of operation of the shaft I32, the cam I48 will present its low portion to its follower roller I49 thereby causing the arms I54 and the bail I58 to be pivoted in a clockwise direction under the urging of the springs I51, as viewed in Fig. 3, resulting in the bail I58 engaging the downwardly depending lugs 93 on the code bars 89 and causing them to be moved to their normal or initial position whereat they are locked by means of the engagement of the end of lever I01 associated with the dot magnets 24 with the stop arms 96 on the code bars 89. It is to be noted that at the time that the operating lever I2I, which had been selected, was moved out of engagement with the aligned code notches 9I that the locking lever I21 was also moved out of engagement with the locking notches 92, leaving the code bars 89 free to move under the action of the bail I58. The code bars 89 are now in their initial position and are in readiness to be reset according to the next selection which is incoming over the conductor I2 from the radio receiver II and part of which may already have been set up in the dot magnets 24 or the dash magnets 13 because of the provision of overlap. The succeeding incoming signal causes the energization of the relay I6 and results in the breaking of the electrical circuit which has caused the energization of the clutch magnet 19. This allows the clutch armature I33 to move to its locking position with respect to the clutch element I33 and arrest rotation of the sleeve I32.

In the event that the received character which has been just described as being printed was the last character of a word, which is designated in Morse code by a zero condition on the line equal in length to five dot impulses succeeding the last code signal, the marginal relay I1 will be deenergized resulting in the establishment of an electrical circuit for the solenoid 63. The energization of the solenoid 63 causes its core or plunger 82 to move downwardly, as viewed in Fig. 4, to impart pressure to the space bar 83 resulting in the telegraph apparatus 86 being caused to space one character space.

After the spacing operation has occurred, the succeeding code Signal will cause the relay I3 to once again be energized, resulting in the energization of the marginal relay I1 and the breaking of the electrical circuit for the energization of the solenoid 63. Thus, the translating apparatus is once again in readiness to operate to translate the succeeding incoming Morse signal into that of a telegraph code, such as the Baudot code.

In the event that the operation disclosed above for the energization of the solenoid 83 and the resulting spacing operation in the telegraph apparatus 86 was the last character of transmission,

the clutch magnet 19 would be energized prior to the time of venergization of the solenoid 63 which would result in whatever signal was selected by the setting of the code bars 89 being printed and thereafter the operation of the solenoid 63 to cause the spacing operation. If there is no further transmission. over the conductor [2 the relays i3, 29, I5, and I! remain do-energized. This results in the continued energization of the solenoid 63, but as previously explained inasmuch as the spacing mechanism is of that type known as a nonrepeat space, the continued holding down of the space bar 83 by the core 82 will not result in more than one spacing interval in the telegraph apparatus 35. In order for a second spacing operation to occur, it is necessary that the space bar 83 return to its normal position and thereafter be once again depressed, which cannot occur if the core 82 holds the space bar 83 in its downward position.

It is also to be noted that during a period of nontransmission, the magnet 32 will also be continually energized. However, this will not result in the feed pawl 37 rotating the ratchet 39 as it was energized during the printing of the preceding letter, during which time the magnet 17, was also energized and the dot selector switch 22 and the dash selector H moved back to their normal position in engagement with the No. 1 contact points in readiness for operation on further code transmission.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described it will be understood that this embodiment it but illustrative and that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, in code translation apparatus, means to receive signal impulses from radio channels, a relay responsive to all of said received impulses, a relay responsive to part only of said received impulses, a selector switch individual to each of said relays each having a plurality of contact points, a plurality of magnets associated with the contact points of one of said selector switches and responsive to the operation of said first-named relay, a plurality of magnets associated with the contact points of the other of said selector switches and responsive to the operation of said second-named relay, a plurality of code bars positioned in accordance with the operation of selected ones of said magnets, a plurality of operating levers under the control of said code bars, and means to print a character under the control of said operating levers.

2. In combination, means to receive code signals over radio channels, relay means to analyze said received code signals, means to separate said 'code signals into components in accordance with their characteristics under the control of said relay means, means to store said separated code signal components, a plurality of code bars, means to selectively set said code bars under the control of said means to store said components, and means to indicate the translated code signal in accordance with the setting and under the control of said code bars,

3. In an apparatus for translating code signals comprising dots, dashes and zero conditions, a dot relay responsive to both dots and dashes, a dash relay responsive to dashes only, a selector switch associated with each of said relays having a plurality of contact points, a plurality of storing magnets connected to said contact points of ione of said selector switches and responsive to said dot relay, a plurality of storing magnets connected to said contact points of the other of said selector switches and responsive to said dash relay, and means operative during a zero condition to advance said selector switches from one of said contact points to the next of said contact points.

4. In combination, in apparatus for the translation of code signals comprising dots, dashes, and zero conditions, relay means to analyze the code signals according to their individual characteristics, means to separate and store the components of said code signals under the control of said relay means, a telegraph printer, means to print a translated code signal in accordance with the stored dot and dash components, and means to cause a spacing operation to occur in said printer under the control of a predetermined zero condition.

5. In combination, in apparatus for the translation of code signals comprising dots, dashes, and zero conditions, relay means to analyze the code signals according to their individual characteristics, means to separate and store the components of said code signals under the control of said relay means, a telegraph printer, means to print a translated code signal in accordance with the stored dot and dash components, a relay responsive to a predetermined zero condition, and means under the control of said relay to cause a spacing operation to occur in said printer.

6. In combination, in apparatus for the translation of code signals comprising dots, dashes, and zero conditions, relay means to analyze the code signals according to their individual characteristics under the control of said relay means, means to separate and store the clot and dash components of said code signals, a plurality of code bars, means to set said code bars in accordance with the stored components, a plurality of operating levers under the control of said code bars, and means responsive to a predetermined zero condition to cause said operating levers to be actuated to record a code signal, to lock said code bars in their set positions, and to cause said storing means to be released whereby said components are no longer stored.

'7. In combination, means to receive code sig nals, relay means to analyze said received code signals, means to separate said codesignals into components in accordance with their characteristics under the control of said relay means, means to store said separated code signal components, a plurality of code bars each having a normal position, means to selectively set said code bars in one or the other of two operating positions under the control of said means to store said components, and means to indicate the translated code signal in accordance with the setting and under the control of said code bars.

8. In combination, in apparatus for the translation of code signals comprising dots, dashes, and zero conditions, relay means to analyze the code signals according to their individual characteristics, means to separate and store the components of said code signals under the control of said relay means, a plurality of code bars each having a normal position, means to move said code bars to a first operated position under the control of a dot condition of said storing means,

cause a spacing operation to occur in said printer under the control of a predetermined zero condition.

KIMMEL A. SYLVESTER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Gilmore Aug. 17, 1909 Number 

